U.S. patent application number 11/823729 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for modular behind-the-ear hearing aid.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIEMENS AUDIOLOGISSCHE TECHNIK GmbH. Invention is credited to Beng Hai Tan.
Application Number | 20080002849 11/823729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426521 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080002849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tan; Beng Hai |
January 3, 2008 |
Modular behind-the-ear hearing aid
Abstract
The invention relates to a modular behind-the-ear hearing aid
(BTE) with a variably small size. The BTE can be designed for
different performance levels and a different range of functions for
manufacturing and maintaining the BTE easily and cheaply. The
modular behind-the-ear hearing aid can be assembled from two units,
wherein the first unit is a base unit which provides the
behind-the-ear hearing aid with a basic range of functions of a
particular series of the behind-the-ear hearing aid, and the second
unit is a plug-in unit which can be plugged into the base unit and
which provides the behind-the-ear hearing aid with an additional
range of functions in accordance with customers' wishes, wherein
the basic range of functions of the base unit only forms an
operational behind-the-ear hearing aid in conjunction with the
additional range of functions of the plug-in unit.
Inventors: |
Tan; Beng Hai; (Singapore,
SG) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIEMENS CORPORATION;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
170 WOOD AVENUE SOUTH
ISELIN
NJ
08830
US
|
Assignee: |
SIEMENS AUDIOLOGISSCHE TECHNIK
GmbH
|
Family ID: |
38426521 |
Appl. No.: |
11/823729 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/330 ;
381/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 2225/0213 20190501;
H04R 25/609 20190501; H04R 25/556 20130101; H04R 25/603 20190501;
H04R 25/65 20130101; H04R 25/607 20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/330 ;
381/322 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 029 958.2 |
Claims
1.-13. (canceled)
14. A behind-the-ear hearing aid, comprising: a base unit that
provides a basic range of functions of the behind-the-ear hearing
aid; and a plug-in unit that can be plugged into the base unit and
provides an additional range of functions of the behind-the-ear
hearing aid according to a requirement of a user of the
behind-the-ear hearing aid, wherein the behind-the-ear hearing aid
is configured to be operated based on the basic range of functions
in conjunction with the additional range of functions, and wherein
a size of the base unit and a size of the plug-in unit can be
varied for a different basic range of functions and a different
additional range of functions so that a size of the behind-the-ear
hearing aid can be varied accordingly.
15. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the base unit comprises a component selected from the group
consisting of: an earpiece, a connector with an acoustic tube for
connecting to a support hook of the behind-the-ear hearing aid, an
ambient microphone, an auditory canal microphone, an on/off switch,
a program selection switch, a battery or an accumulator, and a
volume control.
16. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the plug-in unit comprises a component selected from the group
consisting of: an ambient microphone, a battery or an accumulator,
an amplifier, a signal processing unit, a telecoil, a volume
control, an on/off switch, and a program selection switch.
17. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the plug-in unit holds a battery charger and the charger is in a
closed position when the plug-in unit sits on the base unit.
18. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the base unit comprises a base element and a shoulder.
19. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 18, wherein
the plug-in unit sits on the shoulder of the base unit.
20. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 19, wherein
the plug-in unit comprises a plug-in element, a transition section
extending away from the plug-in element, and an adjoin piece on a
free end of the transition section.
21. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 20, wherein
the plug-in element, the transition section, and the adjoin piece
merge continuously into each other.
22. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 20, wherein
a surface of the adjoin piece is continuously shaped with a surface
of the shoulder.
23. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 20, wherein
a battery or an accumulator compartment is provided in the plug-in
element.
24. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the base unit is electrically connected with the plug-in unit via
electrical plug-in or a spring contact.
25. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the base unit is mechanically connected with the plug-in unit by
snapping or pushing the plug-in unit into the base unit and
latching to the base unit.
26. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
a support hook of the behind-the-ear hearing aid is connected to
the base unit via an integrated acoustic tube and an otoplastic is
connected to the support hook.
27. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the behind-the-ear hearing aid is a modular behind-the-ear hearing
aid.
28. The behind-the-ear hearing aid as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the size of the base unit and the size of the plug-in unit can be
varied for different performance levels of the behind-the-ear
hearing aid.
29. A hearing aid, comprising: a base unit that provides a basic
range of functions of the hearing aid; and a plug-in unit that can
be plugged into the base unit and provides an additional range of
functions of the hearing aid according to a requirement of a user
of the hearing aid.
30. The hearing aid as claimed in claim 29, wherein the hearing aid
is operated based on the basic range of functions in conjunction
with the additional range of functions.
31. The hearing aid as claimed in claim 29, wherein a size of the
base unit and a size of the plug-in unit can be varied for a
different basic range of functions and a different additional range
of functions or different performance levels of the hearing aid so
that a size of the hearing aid can be varied accordingly.
32. A method for manufacturing a hearing aid, comprising: providing
a base unit according to a basic range of functions of the hearing
aid; and providing a plug-in unit according to an additional range
of functions of the hearing aid from a requirement of a user of the
hearing aid; and plugging the plug-in unit into the base unit for
operating the hearing aid based on the basic range of functions in
conjunction with the additional range of functions.
33. The method as claimed in the claim 32, wherein a size of the
base unit and a size of the plug-in unit can be varied for a
different basic range of functions and a different additional range
of functions or different performance levels of the hearing aid so
that a size of the hearing aid can be varied accordingly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of German application No.
10 2006 029 958.2 filed Jun. 29, 2006, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a modular behind-the-ear hearing
aid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The adaptation of hearing aids to different types of hearing
impairment by means of different performance levels and the demand
for ever smaller hearing aids is forcing hearing aid manufacturers
to come up with a wide range of hearing aids of different sizes for
different performance levels. This is resulting in particular in a
modular structure for a hearing aid. Modular hearing aids are known
in which the modules are situated inside the hearing aid and are
surrounded by a casing.
[0004] EP 0 337 195 A2 discloses a hearing aid, in particular a
behind-the-ear hearing aid, made up of four casing modules, each of
which can be preinstalled individually. Each module here is
designed for a respective required performance level of the hearing
aid, as a result of which series of hearing aids can be implemented
which are suitable for different requirements. The hearing aid here
has a microphone module, an earpiece module, an amplifier module
and a power supply module, which when assembled together form the
hearing aid.
[0005] WO 00/79834 A1 discloses a behind-the-ear hearing aid and a
plug-in module therefor. This means that the range of functions of
the fully operational hearing aid can be upgraded by means of the
plug-in module. To this end, a connector of the plug-in module is
plugged into a battery compartment of the hearing aid and is
thereby connected electrically and mechanically to the
behind-the-ear hearing aid. In this hearing aid upgraded with the
plug-in module the battery is situated in the plug-in module. The
plug-in module provides, for example, an interface for wireless
signal transmission, a programming unit, a further audio input, a
larger battery compartment and/or a mechanical control unit.
[0006] A disadvantage of such hearing aids in accordance with the
prior art is that nothing can be done to influence their size. In
other words, their size cannot be adapted to a different level of
hearing impairment, and hence people with only a slight hearing
impairment nevertheless have to wear a comparatively large hearing
aid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of the invention is to create a behind-the-ear
hearing aid--referred to in the following as a BTE--which can be
designed for different performance levels and a different range of
functions in combination with a variably small size. The BTE should
here be easy and cost-effective to manufacture and maintain, it
additionally being possible to adapt the BTE subsequently, when
used as a hearing aid, to increased requirements on the part of the
wearer or to newly developed technical possibilities.
[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a modular BTE
consisting of just two mutually separable units--a base unit and a
plug-in unit which can be provided on the base unit, with just
these two units together forming an operational BTE. The base unit
here preferably provides a basic range of functions for a
particular series of the BTE. The plug-in unit accordingly
provides, for example, an additional range of functions in
accordance with customers' wishes or needs and/or a level of
hearing impairment to be treated.
[0009] The combination of interchangeable plug-in units with the
same base unit means that BTEs in a series can be manufactured on
an automated basis, it being possible for the BTEs to have a
different range of functions and at the same time to satisfy the
aesthetic needs of wearers. According to the invention it is
possible to implement a BTE of minimal size for a particular
hearing impairment with a particular range of functions. Compared
to the prior art, fewer tools are needed during manufacture for the
same range of functions of the BTE series, which cuts the cost of
tools and hence of manufacturing.
[0010] According to the invention the base unit for all devices in
a BTE series contains a basic, identical range of functions, while
the BTE contains an additional variable range of functions thanks
to the plug-in unit which can be plugged in to the base unit. This
variable range of functions relates to, for example, an amplifier,
a maximum service life of the BTE with an energy store, quality of
signal processing, a volume control, an upgrade to bidirectional
reception for the BTE and/or a program selection switch.
Furthermore, a telecoil is preferably accommodated in the plug-in
unit.
[0011] The plug-in unit is used in particular to upgrade the BTE by
means of a second microphone. As a result, a correspondingly
installed signal processor--likewise preferably accommodated in the
plug-in unit--can easily distinguish e.g. wind noise in a wide,
low-contrast spectrum from music containing peaks in the frequency
spectrum, or from the human voice on the basis of its dynamic
range. The signal processor also selects a corresponding hearing
program for the wearer of the BTE and correspondingly controls the
earpiece of the BTE.
[0012] Furthermore, the battery or accumulator of the BTE is
preferably accommodated in the plug-in unit, since this varies in
size depending on the capacity and requires a comparatively large
amount of space within the BTE. From the customer's perspective it
is not advantageous to wear a comparatively large BTE, which
because of a minor hearing impairment on the part of the wearer has
only a low amplification performance at the same time as a long
service life with just one battery. Preferably the BTE is smaller
and the service life with just a single battery is limited. Thus
because for cosmetic reasons the BTE should be as small as
possible, it is possible in accordance with the invention to use as
small a battery as possible, e.g. for brief use of the BTE or in
the case of a slight hearing impairment, so that as little space as
possible is needed with the inventive plug-in unit. In other words,
a minimum space for a particular hearing aid application can be
found.
[0013] Furthermore, the amplifier and a corresponding signal
processor are preferably situated in the plug-in unit of the BTE,
and in turn are adjusted to the range of functions and a maximum
acoustic amplification of the BTE, so that as a result the plug-in
unit can be designed to be as small as possible, depending on the
degree of hearing impairment and corresponding customer
requirements.
[0014] According to the invention, the base unit mainly contains
the acoustic components of the BTE, with an earpiece and a
connector for a support hook with an acoustic tube.
[0015] Furthermore, the base unit preferably contains at least an
ambient microphone. Thanks to an additional ambient microphone in
the plug-in unit, directional reception of the BTE can be
implemented with the plug-in microphone. In contrast to the prior
art, the single ambient microphone already present is not replaced
by a pair of microphones, but the existing ambient microphone is
supplemented by the second microphone in the plug-in unit, which
together form the pair of microphones for directional
reception.
[0016] By dividing the range of functions of a BTE into functions
which are common to all devices in a series, and into functions
which can be adjusted to customers' needs, and by a corresponding
assignment of these functions to a base unit and a plug-in unit, it
is now possible for each customer to implement the smallest BTE for
him or her and nevertheless to guarantee efficient manufacture and
maintenance of the BTE.
[0017] The inventive BTE opens up a multitude of possibilities,
particularly as regards the design and color-scheme. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention the plug-in unit fits snugly into the
base unit; these are continuously in contact over the whole surface
and together form a unit with a uniform appearance. It is of course
possible for the plug-in unit to be in a contrasting color.
[0018] The plug-in unit is electrically and mechanically connected
to the base unit. An electrical connection occurs e.g. via
electrical wires and/or an electrical connection system, for
example plug-in or spring contacts. A mechanical connection can be
effected e.g. by screwing, latching, snap-locking or what is known
as a "slide and lock" mechanism.
[0019] Furthermore, it is possible according to the invention to
use, for each base unit, a plurality of plug-in units for a single
wearer, which for their part are adapted to different
circumstances. Thus by using a plug-in unit it is possible to
implement as small as possible a BTE when the latter is worn in
public, whereas for private purposes a larger plug-in unit with a
longer battery service life is more expedient. Also conceivable,
for example, are different plug-in units for night-time (many
hearing aid wearers wear this even while they are asleep), sport,
attending a concert, etc. Plug-in units ergonomically adjusted to
habits and circumstances are expedient especially for night-time
and for sport.
[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular BTE with an
attached support hook, as well as a modular BTE with a support hook
and an otoplastic provided thereon.
[0021] Other preferred embodiments of the inventive BTE emerge from
the additional dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention is explained in greater detail in the
following on the basis of exemplary embodiments, with reference to
the drawing. The drawing shows:
[0023] FIG. 1 a side view of a base unit of an inventive modular
behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE);
[0024] FIG. 2 the base unit from FIG. 1 with a support hook
provided thereon;
[0025] FIG. 3 a side view of a second embodiment of an inventive
plug-in unit;
[0026] FIG. 4 a side view of a third embodiment of the inventive
plug-in unit;
[0027] FIG. 5 a full BTE according to a first embodiment of the
invention with a support hook connected thereto;
[0028] FIG. 6 a BTE according to a second embodiment of the
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 7 a BTE according to a third embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] In the following a BTE (behind-the-ear hearing aid) is
understood to be a base unit with a plug-in unit non-detachably
connected thereto. In other words, the BTE does not have a support
hook, an acoustic tube or an otoplastic. Furthermore, the inventive
BTE should not be restricted to the exemplary embodiments shown in
the drawing, but very generally relate to a two-part BTE, the first
component of which provides a basic range of functions for a
particular series of BTEs, and the second component of which
provides an additional range of functions in accordance with
customers' requirements, with only the common range of functions of
the two components providing an independently operational BTE.
[0031] The demands on a BTE are numerous and in part contradictory,
so that a good compromise between function range/performance range
and the size of the BTE must always be found. The demands on a BTE
are especially conflicting as regards the cosmetic aspect of
miniaturization and an average service life of the BTE with a
single energy store.
[0032] Furthermore, there are a multitude of different degrees of
hearing impairment to which the BTE has to be adjusted. Thus for
example for a slight hearing impairment a smaller acoustic
amplification is necessary than for a major hearing impairment,
which impacts considerably for example on the power supply and the
amplification and thus also on the size of the BTE. In the case of
a major hearing impairment, for example, the service life of the
BTE drops compared to a slight hearing impairment with the same
battery capacity. To achieve this same service life, it is thus
necessary to use a larger battery, i.e. simultaneously also a
larger BTE. These demands also affect the earpiece (loudspeaker),
which depending on the degree of hearing impairment has to emit
more or less acoustic energy, which impacts on the size and
design.
[0033] In addition it is necessary to be able to provide different
support hooks on the BTE, in order to be able to provide as many
customers as possible with a BTE. In other words, it should be
possible for children, as well as for men and women with and
without glasses, to wear the BTE. Furthermore, operating elements
such as a volume control, a program selection switch and an on/off
switch are required. The question also arises of whether the BTE
with just one microphone should include omnidirectional reception
or the BTE with two or more microphones should include directional
reception and a corresponding further processing of the signals,
and how the amplifier and the processor unit used are configured
and what range of functions they should possess.
[0034] FIG. 1 now shows an inventive base unit 100 of an inventive
BTE 1 (see FIG. 5 to 7), the base unit 100 essentially consisting
of a base element 140 and a shoulder 120 formed thereon. The base
unit 100 provides the BTE 1 with a basic range of functions for
e.g. a particular series of BTEs. For this the base unit 100 has at
least an earpiece (not shown in the drawing) and a connector 110
for a support hook 300 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the base unit 100
preferably also has an ambient microphone (not shown in the
drawing).
[0035] Depending on the flexibility and range of functions of the
inventive BTE 1 a base unit 100 can preferably have one or more of
the following components (not shown in the drawing): an auditory
canal microphone, an on/off switch, a program selection switch, a
battery or accumulator and/or a volume control. In addition it is
also possible to partially integrate functions into the base unit
100 which in fact are reserved to an inventive plug-in unit 200
(see FIGS. 3 and 4), in order thus to make available a BTE 1 with
less flexibility as regards customers' wishes but which nonetheless
offers the benefit of a lower-cost BTE 1. As regards the
corresponding functions, see the parallel paragraph for the plug-in
unit 200.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a first 270 (but connected to a base unit 100)
and FIG. 3 and 4 a second 280 and a third 290 embodiment of the
inventive plug-in unit 200. A general form of the plug-in unit 200
has a plug-in element 240, a transition section 230 extending away
therefrom and an adjoin piece 220 provided on the free end of the
transition section 230. The plug-in element 240, the transition
section 230 and the adjoin piece 220 merge continuously into one
another and in the assembled state of the plug-in unit 200 with the
base unit 100 form the BTE (see FIG. 5 to 7).
[0037] The plug-in unit 200; 270, 280, 290 includes an additional
range of functions for the BTE 1 in accordance with customers'
wishes and needs. Preferably the plug-in unit 200; 270, 280, 290
has a second ambient microphone for the BTE 1, a battery or an
accumulator and/or an amplifier. Furthermore, the plug-in unit 200
can include one or more of the following components: a signal
processing unit, a telecoil, a volume control, an on/off switch, an
auditory canal microphone and/or a program selection switch.
[0038] In particular the plug-in unit 200 contains and fixes in
position the amplifier or the amplifier circuit located on a PCB,
in order to adjust the BTE 1 depending on the nature and degree of
a customer's hearing impairment. The plug-in unit 200 preferably
has openings for the volume control and/or the program selection
switch, which in this case can be provided on the base unit 100
(regulators and/or switches of such a BTE 1 project through the
plug-in unit 200 in the assembled state of the two units 100, 200)
or on the plug-in unit 200. Preferably the plug-in unit 200 has a
second ambient microphone which together with a first ambient
microphone--which is preferably located in the base unit 100, but
can also be located in the plug-in unit 200--make directional
reception possible for the BTE 1 and thus enable directional
hearing for the wearer of the BTE 1.
[0039] The second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 of the inventive
plug-in unit 280 is fitted with a program selection switch 202, in
order to make different bearing programs available to the BTE 1.
This is implemented by a corresponding signal processing unit and
the amplifier inside the plug-in unit 280.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows the third embodiment of the inventive plug-in
unit 290, supplemented by a volume control 204 in contrast to the
second embodiment. The third embodiment hereby makes available an
extended range of functions, as a result of which it is possible to
set a volume of the BTE 1 manually.
[0041] In preferred embodiments of the invention the plug-in unit
200 contains an energy store which supplies the BTE 1 with
electrical power. Especially as a result of this it is possible to
design the size of the BTE 1 with a single energy store on the
basis of its service life. If a long service life is required, a
correspondingly large battery and a correspondingly large plug-in
unit 200 are selected; if a long service life is forgone or if the
wearer's corresponding hearing impairment is only slight, the
plug-in unit 200 can be selected to be smaller, since a
correspondingly smaller battery or accumulator can be used. In this
case the battery or accumulator is situated in the plug-in element
240 of the plug-in unit 200. The same applies for the amplifier,
which depending on the degree of hearing impairment can be designed
differently. In addition, different demands are placed on a signal
processing unit of a BTE 1, which must process the information from
two or more microphones, than on a BTE 1 with just one ambient
microphone. This range of functions is hence preferably implemented
by the plug-in unit 200.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows the first basic embodiment of the inventive
plug-in unit 270 in the assembled state on a base unit 100. A
volume control and a program selection switch can be provided in
concealed form with such an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 6 and 7 respectively show the second 280 and third 290
embodiment of the inventive plug-in unit 200, likewise in the
assembled state of the BTEs 1. In particular the third embodiment
of the inventive plug-in unit 290 has a larger battery compared to
the other two embodiments.
[0044] With the inventive BTE 1 the plug-in unit 200 and base unit
100 can be configured such that the battery or accumulator
partially projects from the plug-in unit 200, as a result of which
the section of the projecting battery/accumulator is housed in a
corresponding compartment in the base unit 100 in the assembled BTE
1. This could be the case for example in embodiments according to
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Furthermore, it is preferable that a battery
charger of the BTE 1 is held in its closed position by plugging the
plug-in unit 200 in to the base unit 100.
[0045] In all embodiments of the invention, the plug-in unit 200
closely abuts the base unit 100 and together they produce a compact
uniform external appearance. In particular the adjoin piece 220 of
the plug-in unit 200 rests on the shoulder 120 of the base unit 100
and together they form a common surface which has a continuous
transition. Furthermore, the transition section 230 and the plug-in
element 240 lie on the base element 140 of the base unit 100.
* * * * *